I had a lumpectomy at the beginning of January followed by 5 days of radiotherapy in February and thought that I would be feeling a bit more normal 6 months on but sadly this is not the case. I still have a fair bit of discomfort in my affected left breast but also have quite significant discomfort in my ribs on my left side and wondered if this was normal following the radiotherapy. I’m so anxious about this and don’t have an appointment with my consultant until the end of November
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Dear Linda,
Welcome back to the forum, so sorry to read you are feeling uncomfortable this doesn’t help your recovery. You mentioned your next appointment is November.
I think you need to be seen by your consultant or a member of the team to put your mind at rest my suggestion would be to call your breast cancer nurse on Monday explain how your feeling, they should be able to arrange to see you quite quickly.
Take one day at a time at the moment. Wishing you well with health and happiness going forward
With love Tili 
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Hi Linda, I don’t have any answers for you - but just wanted to say I feel similar. I finished radio in Jan and have intermittent pain in my left ribs and sometimes a stitch/cramp type of feeling on my left side. I haven’t yet mentioned to the nurses at the hospital but will do if it gets worse/persists. Hope you get some answers soon! X
Thank you
I had radiation June 2019 and had the same. It progressively improved but in fits and starts and now only causes pain on the side well below the armpit so I’m pretty sure it’s radiation related. the location is on the top ribs on same side radiation was delivered. My MD said not to worry that it’s not reoccurrence but you should ask your MD, I think.
Hi Linda, I had lumpectomy in June 2023 and had 5 full breast radiotherapy and 4 boost to the tumour site in August 23. I had the same as you are describing, my ribs and breast were both sore, some days worse than others. My affected breast was also a bit swollen, surgeon said it was fluid and to wear a sports bra to help get rid of it. Anyway it does improve with time, I was probably at the 9-10 month post op point when I noticed it wasnt quite so bad and not so swollen.
I hope you are doing well but try not to worry. I know how hard that can be. Definitely phone your breast clinic and get it checked though as this will give you peace of mind.
Take care K
Hello linda3
Thanks for your post.
It sounds as if you’re having a difficult time with the discomfort in your ribs following radiotherapy.
As @Jess_1, @katharin say and @bethdarling says, side effects from radiotherapy can continue for some months but usually settle down.
However, as @Tili says, it’s important you let your breast care nurse know your concerns and get an earlier appointment to be seen, so that they can assess you.
In the meantime, taking regular pain relief and maintaining the post-treatment exercises may help to relieve some of the pain.
Talking to someone who has had a similar experience can often be helpful. Our Someone Like Me service can match you with a trained volunteer who’s had a similar experience to you. You can be in touch with your volunteer by phone or email and they can share their personal experiences to answer your questions, offer support or simply listen to how you are feeling.
You can ring the Someone Like Me team on 0114 263 6490 or email them at someone.likeme@breastcancernow.org, so they can then match you to your volunteer.
We offer a range of other free supportive services for anyone who has had a diagnosis of breast cancer which you may be interested in. They include face to face and online courses and events.
For more details about all of these services, please see the information on the link.
Do also tell your breast care nurse or GP about your feelings of anxiety and they may be able to refer you for some talking therapies.
Macmillan Cancer Support offer free counselling sessions online.
You’re welcome to call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to more support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000, (Relay UK -prefix 18001).
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Best wishes
Addie
Breast Care Nurse
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